Wakahuia, 19th century
Māori wakahuia (treasure boxes) are designed to hold treasured personal adornments, such as hei-tiki (pendants), heru (hair combs) and bird feathers worn in the hair. Made from wood they were usually elaborately carved and designed to be suspended from the ceiling of a whare (house or dwelling) to safeguard its contents and so that the ornately carved underside could be admired. This wakahuia was donated to the museum in 1928.
